Phyllis Diller's Final TV Appearance on Bravo's DUKES OF MELROSE to Air 5/1

Phyllis Diller, the legendary actress and comedian, makes an appearance on the May 1st episode of Bravo's "Dukes of Melrose." In her last television appearance ever, the comedic genius opens up her home to "...Melrose" star CameRon Silver to give a rare glimpse inside her home and closet.

Diller, who passed away last August, was known for her eccentric taste and her closet reflects that with dozens of her outrageous stage costumes and wigs. As Cameron succinctly puts it "her closet represents a life well lived and a life well shopped."

Not many can say that they've had the opportunity to hang out with Phyllis Diller and drink martinis in her closet so be sure to tune in Wednesday, May 1st (10:30 est/9:30 c) to catch the icon in her final television appearance.

Diller first appeared as a stand-up at The Purple Onion on March 7, 1955 and remained there for 87 straight weeks. Diller appeared on "Del Courtney's Showcase" on KPIX television on November 3, 1956. Diller's fame was expanded when she co-starred with Bob Hope in 23 television specials and three films in the 1960s: Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number!, Eight on the Lam, and The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell. Although only Boy, Did I Get a Wrong Number! performed well at the box office, Hope invited Diller to perform with him in Vietnam in 1966 with his USO troupe during the height of the Vietnam War.

Throughout the 1960s, she appeared regularly as a special guest on many television programs. For example, she appeared as one of the What's My Line? Mystery Guests. The blindfolded panel on that evening's broadcast included Sammy Davis, Jr., and they were able to discern Diller's identity in just three guesses. Also, Diller Made regular cameo appearances making her trademark wisecracks on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Self-deprecating to a fault, a typical Diller joke had her running after a garbage truck pulling away from her curb. "Am I too late?" she'd yell. The driver's reply: "No, jump right in!"

Beginning December 26, 1969, she had a three-month run on Broadway in Hello, Dolly! (opposite Richard Deacon) as the second to last in a succession of replacements for Carol Channing in the title role, which included Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Betty Grable, and Pearl Bailey. After Diller's stint, Ethel Merman took over the role until the end of the show's run in December 1970.

Photo credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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